Portugal Emerges as a Growing Data Center Market
Portugal is positioning itself as a strategic emerging market in Europe’s data center sector, supported by energy stability and strong investment in renewable energy.
According to JLL’s Global Data Center Outlook 2026, the global data center industry is expected to enter a $3 trillion investment supercycle by 2030. Driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, global data center capacity could double to 200 gigawatts.
Andrea Almeida, Head of Research at JLL Portugal, emphasized in a statement that Portugal offers unique advantages by combining clean energy supply with proximity to major business hubs such as Lisbon and Porto.
Portugal’s competitiveness is closely linked to its energy profile. By 2024, renewable sources—including hydropower, wind, biomass, and solar—accounted for 71% of the country’s electricity consumption. In addition, Portugal has been a net energy exporter since 2016 and benefits from a well-developed transmission network managed by REN.
At present, the Portuguese market is largely concentrated in Greater Lisbon, where local data centers dominate. However, the scale of new projects is reshaping the industry’s landscape, driving large-scale infrastructure development from north to south.
Covilhã currently leads the national data center sector, hosting Altice Portugal’s largest operational facility, covering 75,500 square meters and capable of accommodating 50,000 servers. Looking ahead, however, the industry’s future appears increasingly centered on Sines, where Portugal’s largest data center is under construction. With a planned capacity of up to 1.2 gigawatts and powered entirely by 100% renewable energy, it is set to become one of the most significant data hubs in Southern Europe.
Meanwhile, the Lisbon region continues to attract specialized investment. Examples include the Atlas Edge facility in Carnaxide, designed to operate without water consumption, and Merlin Properties’ new infrastructure in Vila Franca de Xira, with an expected load capacity of 36 megawatts—further reinforcing the company’s commitment to the Iberian market.
Taking the broader trend into account, Lisbon is clearly emerging as a central player in the new wave of digital infrastructure development. With stable energy supply, strong geographic connectivity, and a mature business and technology ecosystem, Lisbon is not only Portugal’s economic heart but is increasingly becoming a key node in Europe’s data economy. As global capital and technology firms accelerate their expansion strategies, the city is steadily consolidating its position as a strategic innovation and digital hub in Southern Europe.
Reference link: https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2026-02-18/portugal-stablished-as-emerging-data-centre-market/969169
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